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Three Rivers Educational Technology Conference (TRETC) is an exciting professional development opportunity to advance the integration of educational technology for teachers, K-12 administrators, industry experts, and higher education decision makers in South Western PA.

TRETC 2024 Theme: Transformative EdTech

Students are the future of our workforce. Through the integration of educational technology, students have before them the opportunity to experience the pathway to “what is next” while in the classroom. These pathways, using new and equitable learning models, lead to networks that design strong foundation and momentum in future careers.

Early Innovation in Education Award & Networking Event

Date: January 14, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Robotics Factory | 113 47th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

TRETC 2024 Conference

Date: January 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 AM-3:00 PM
Location: South Fayette High School | McDonald, PA 15057

*The Act 48 hours will be administered at the end of the event.

Optional: World of Work Pittsburgh: Two Day Teacher Training

Date: January 15-16, 2024
Includes a full day of training and a second day of classroom site visits.

*Pre-requisite - One of your district administrators must first have completed PGH World of Work: Administrator Training. Preference will be given to school districts within the Pittsburgh region. Reach out to mpelloni@pghtech.org for more information.

*The Act 48 hours will be administered at the end of the event.

View the TRETC 2024 schedule & directory.

Keynote Speaker:

Ed Hidalgo | Innovation and Engagement Advisor, Cajon Valley Union School District & Advisor, Career Development, Ed Hidalgo Consulting

Ed Hidalgo is a speaker, trainer, and advisor for school districts seeking to embed career readiness within school culture by integrating district-wide approaches that prioritize students' career identity and curiosity. His clients and partners include a range of schools, non profit organizations, workforce boards and direct service to students and families. With over 25 years of experience in corporate human resources, higher education, and K-12 public schools, he's a trusted voice in education and career development.

Featured Speakers:

Joseph T. Yun | Research Professor and AI Architect, University of Pittsburgh & CEO of bluefoxlabs.ai LLC

Joseph T. Yun is the artificial intelligence and innovation architect for the University of Pittsburgh. He also is a research professor of electrical and computer engineering in the Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh. His research is primarily focused on novel AI/ML algorithms/technologies, user-centric analytics systems, computational advertising, novel technologies such as blockchain, and societal considerations of AI-based advertising and marketing (e.g., privacy, ethics). Joe is also the CEO of bluefoxlabs.ai LLC, an AI implementation company. Their mission is to, “make AI real for businesses and meaningful for people.”

Amil Cook | Hip-Hop Technologist & Strategic Partnership Consultant, BootUP

Amil Nyerere Thomas Cook, M.Ed., breaks down barriers to success using technology, language, and cultural identity to empower Black youth. With 15+ years of community experience, he teaches students and educators to harness personal narratives for enhanced self-efficacy, well-being, and capacity through new media and technology.

Currently, Amil directs Technology Programs & Curriculum at Community Forge, co-founding BootUpPGH. He's also a leading technologist at #HipHopEd, consulting for schools, nonprofits, and institutions across the US. He holds a bachelor's in African American Studies from Morehouse College and a Master's in Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Amil's versatile teaching spans academic courses from computer science AP and career readiness to Hip-Hop Studies and graphic design, including diverse student populations, including clinical therapy in the juvenile justice system.

Rachelle Dene Poth | Spanish and STEAM Teacher, Consultant and Author

Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher. Rachelle teaches Spanish and STEAM: Emerging Technology at Riverview High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master’s in Instructional Technology. She is currently pursuing a second doctorate, focused on Educational Technology. Rachelle is an ISTE Certified Educator and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. She is a past-president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network and served on the Leadership team of the Mobile Learning Network for five years. She received the ISTE Making IT Happen Award in 2019 and has received several Presidential gold and silver awards for her volunteer service to education. Rachelle was named one of the 150 Women Thought Leaders to Follow for 2022 and one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers for 2021. In 2017, Rachelle was selected as the 2017 Outstanding Teacher of the Year by PAECT (the Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications in Technology, the PA affiliate of ISTE) and by the NSBA as one of the "20 to Watch" educators.

Janet T. Phan | Founder and Executive Director, Thriving Elements

Janet T. Phan is the founder and Executive Director of Thriving Elements, a non-profit organization with a mission to create access and opportunities for underserved, underrepresented girls in STEM in order to bridge the gender disparity in STEM fields. The organization focuses on empowerment through mentorship, a topic she spoke about at TEDxZurich in 2020. In 2022, Janet published Boldly You, a memoir and self-help book looking at her hardships and sharing life lessons through the lens of resilience and strength. Janet currently works as a Senior Technical Program Manager for Amazon’s Project Kuiper with a mission to bridge the digital divide through the launch of low-earth orbit satellites. She had previously held roles at Microsoft, The Boeing Company, and PwC where she has been responsible for implementing digital platforms across Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).